CEO of Swedish state-owned operator calls for national debt register to tackle gambling harm

CEO of Swedish state-owned operator calls for national debt register to tackle gambling harm

Article brief provided by iGaming Business
  • Zak Thomas-Akoo, iGaming Business
January 10, 2023 8:22 PM

The CEO of Swedish state-owned enterprise Svenska Spel, Patrik Hofbauer, called for a national debt register, alongside other interventions, in a public address.

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Hofbauer highlighted the relationship between gambling addiction and debt, arguing that the government action would be required in order to effectively manage the problem.

“Gambling addiction is often financed with payday loans, leading to personal tragedies,” he said. “Even if the individual gets help to get out of their addiction, the debts remain.”

Hofbauer argued that there should be some equivalent with the Swedish gaming self-exclusion platform for those at financial risk. “Just as there is Spelpaus for those who want to block themselves from gambling and targeted gambling advertising, there should be a ‘Loan block’ that protects against quick loans and advertising from loan companies,” said Hofbauer.